That 40 days in the desert? That was no picnic!

I read in one of Max’s books, and for the life of me can’t remember which one right now, that addressed Jesus being taken into the desert by satan and being tempted after 40 days and nights of fasting.  The reference that Max wanted to make was that it was more than just the couple of examples that we read about in the bible.  It wasn’t a sneak attack and then get a reprieve to gear up for the next attack.  It was 40 days of constant struggle and misery.  And it really got me to thinking.

We have been told that there is nothing that we can suffer that Jesus hasn’t already suffered for us, that there isn't anything that any of us could ever go thru that He hasn't already so that He understands and has complete compassion.  He suffered in this way so that there is no pain that He cannot know, understand, and be able to help us get through, so take this one step further, to the belief that He knows:

• what the fire felt like in the concentration camps
• the fear of an unplanned pregnancy
• the fear of going into battle
• the need to be touched when disease ridden (the leper He healed)
• how it feels to be an physically or emotionally abused (the woman at the well)
• the feelings of being dirty and unclean after a rape or molestation
• clinical depressionthe false sense of power over other people/issues
• the unnatural high from any type of addiction

 This song comes to mind:  John Michael Montgomery (The Little Girl)

She said I know that man up there on that cross

I don't know His name

But I know He got off

Cause He was there in my old house

and held me close to His side

As I hid there behind our couch

The night that my parents died

She didn’t know Him, and her parents were too wrapped up in their addictions (if you know the song) to hear Him speaking to their hearts, so He went to the one that He could help, where He knew that suffering.

In "A Farewell to Arms," Ernest Hemingway writes, "The world breaks everyone and many are strong at the broken places."

A line out of the movie "Seabiscuit," says:  "You don't throw a whole life away just because it's a little banged up."

He suffered for us, went on the cross for us, and came out the other side so much stronger!  And you hear stories of similar strengths from adversity;

• the people from abusive relationships that go on to strong relationships and volunteer opportunities
• those that overcame addictions to mentor those trying to overcome the addictions

Remember these lyrics from Skillet and “The Last Night”

This is the last night you'll spend alone

Look me in the eyes so I know you know

I'm everywhere you want me to be

The last night you'll spend alone

I'll wrap you in my arms and I won't let go

I'm everything you need me to be

The last night away from me

This is the last night you'll spend alone

Look me in the eyes so I know you know

I'm everywhere you want me to be

The last night you'll spend alone

I'll wrap you in my arms and I won't let go

I'm everything you need me to be

He’s been there, done that, and is there to lead us through!